TEHRAN -- A massive turnout in the 2006 parliamentary election will disappoint enemies and ease the West’s pressure on the Islamic Republic, the former Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) secretary Hassan Rowhani said here on Wednesday.

“We should try to meet the Supreme Leader’s expectations in establishing national unity and cohesion,” he told the members of Moderation and Development Party in a meeting on Wednesday.
A significant participation in the Majlis election will reinforce the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy, and help resolve the country’s international and domestic problems, Rowhani added.
The Leader’s representative at the SNSC stated that formation of a “strong and independent parliament” would benefit national interests, he underlined.
Majlis is a highly influential body and plays a key role among the country’s decision-making organizations. A “strong parliament” can help calm down growing international tension with Iran, he observed.
“We should make every effort to fulfill our duties in regard to the upcoming election,” he said. “Our slogan is moderation and development and protection of national interests. Issues regarding different political parties should be of secondary importance.”